26th Oct 2011, 22:59

6th Aug 2014, 08:00

In April 1986 I bought my first new truck at age 19... it was black, no A/C, no stereo, base model, for only $6,999. It was an 86.5 Hardbody, Z-24 4 cylinder, with 8 spark plugs, and a manual tranny. I sold it with 240,000 miles in 1994 in Yuma, AZ. It is my favorite truck I ever owned; I regret selling it.

Since then I've had an 1989 Hardbody... with over 200k, before I sold it.

Now I have 96 Hardbody with 189k, but I'm looking for a black 86.5 Hardbody truck, 4 cylinder... that is the best engine Nissan ever made, and they hold the value from when they were new, starting at 6k.

2nd Sep 2014, 00:23

I have a 1986 Nissan Hardbody V6 4X4. I've the same problem, took it to a shop; $544 for the fuel injectors. Three days later I got stranded. The same shop said ground wire $186. Then another $630 hit, same shop said the computer. A week later the idle fluctuates between 1200 and 1500 RPM. They could not fix the problem, so I decided not to take it to the same shop. The motor sounds sound really strong, but my idle acts up. Only 155,000 original miles. One owner.

16th May 2015, 03:29

I am having the same missing problem! It all started when running out of fuel! It back fired and then had no power! Added fuel, but it starts but won't keep running, major missing! Changed the fuel filter thinking it had picked up some bad stuff in the bottom of tank causing all this trouble!

Need help! Plugs and wires next! But are there two filters? I replaced the one under the hood! Thanx.

1st Aug 2015, 17:10

I have the same problem, but just went out and bought a GPS and velcro'd it right where the miles per hour is. I love this, because I have speed and now directions on demand. It cost me only 150 dollars; tip, measure the space and shop for one that will fit in the space.

1st Aug 2015, 17:19

My farther-in-law gave me his 86.5 Nissan 14 years ago. I fixed the head and put a new clutch in, and ran it for over 10 years. I just rebuilt the engine due to it was just time and had over 500,000 miles.

Now I have done some upgrades from a junk yard, like:

1) Put step side rails off of a Nissan Pathfinder.

2) Mirrors off the same Nissan.

3) Bucket seats off that same vehicle.

4) Found a Montero with rims and tires for 125 for a set of 4.

Here is the kicker... everything was a direct bolt with no modifications or drilling. My mud flaps did take some sculpting to match the body right.

She is now a semi-gloss black, jacked up rear wheel drive beast that everyone cannot believe is from 1986.

12th Sep 2015, 21:58

Try replacing the fuel pump, and before you go out and buy it, you can test it yourself by pulling the fuel hose from the filter to the carburettor. Then turn the key over and see if fuel comes out of the hose.

30th Aug 2016, 11:04

24th Oct 2016, 01:57

I just purchased an 86.5 V6 SE with 92000 miles on it. It had all the belts and hoses replaced, it doesn't need a tune up, the interior is immaculate to say the least, put new tires on it, no rust anywhere, no dents, only a very minor scratch or two. It runs like a deer.

I've read though where you're supposed to change out the timing belt every 60k, but don't see where anyone has said they ever had to; is that just a factory recommendation?

7th Dec 2016, 19:16

I have a 91 Mercedes, 93 Toyota 4Runner, '01 VW Beetle and a 1997 Nissan 300Z. I was not able to haul big stuff, so in 2012 I bought a 1986.5 Nissan Hardbody V6 4 wheel drive D21.

Of all 5 vehicles, the Hardbody is the only one that has NOT broke down. I have had to fix some things due to the previous owner abusing the hell out of it, but it always runs, it is a WORK HORSE. I strongly recommend anyone who finds one for sale to... BUY IT!

I love this truck almost as much as I love my dogs. Fun to work on, LOVE IT!!!